shore

Log This Dive

Nanaimo Dive Outfitters

Okay, Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. You pull up to this unassuming shop, and frankly, from the parking lot, you wouldn't guess what's just a few steps away. We love how easy the shore entry is, especially for new divers or when you’re just trying out new gear. Slip in, and it’s a quick descent onto a silty slope that offers up some real PNW character. Our favorite spot is usually around the pilings, which are just covered in anemones and nudibranchs. Keep your eyes peeled for the little things, like Humpy Shrimp tucked into crevices or the subtle colours of a Slender Crab. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with Brown Catsharks here, usually tucked under ledges, and the Olympia oysters are everywhere, forming little mini-reefs themselves. Visibility can be a bit variable, but even on an average day, we’ve found it’s worth the plunge just for the sheer density of life. It’s a great place to practice buoyancy and really slow down, examining the details.